Mobile Chamber: Chappelle Retires, Rodgers Certified

The Mobile Chamber has announced the retirement of Chief Operating Officer Bob Chappelle, effective February 1, 2023. Chapelle, who has been with the organization for 21 years, joined as executive vice president and was later promoted to chief operating officer. He has served interim roles in economic development, small business development and community and governmental affairs. Last fall, he was named the chamber’s interim president and CEO, a position he held until Bradley Byrne joined the chamber in June (BBN #95). Among many other achievements, Chappelle served as staff lead on five Partners for Growth campaigns, which provided the organization with more than $30 million to fund its work in economic development. He also oversaw 21 resource campaigns amounting to more than $33 million in chamber resources. He played a lead role in setting the strategic agenda for 21 intercity Leaders Exchange visits. Chappelle serves on the board of the Downtown Mobile Alliance and on the Mobile Human Relations Commission. He is a past president of the Rotary Club of Mobile and presently serves as its secretary.

Additionally, the chamber announced that its Vice President of Economic Development David Rodgers has earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The status is recognized globally and is the only certification program for economic developers in the U.S. The chamber says it is considered the most prestigious designation in the economic development profession and denotes a mastery of skills in economic development and a commitment to personal and professional growth. There are only approximately 1,100 certified economic developers worldwide. To obtain his certification, Rodgers completed six IDEC courses in a variety of disciplines, including real estate development, business retention and expansion, credit analysis, marketing and attraction, workforce, and managing economic development organizations.